Martu Ranger Exchange – Phillip Island

Through the assistance of The Thin Green Line Foundation, Phillip Island Nature Parks recently hosted Grant Stewart, an Indigenous Ranger from Martu Country in Western Australia, for a week-long visit.

During his visit, Grant experienced first-hand some of the Nature Parks’ world-class environmental research techniques, fox tracking and trapping systems, animal tagging procedures and wildlife rescue. Grant was especially interested in the Eco-tourism principles and Occupational Health and Safety protocols implemented by the Nature Parks.

Many Nature Parks staff had the privilege of attending a presentation delivered by Grant on the work he is currently undertaking as a Field Ranger along the Canning Stock Route. As a young leader in his community, Grant and his team are taking on a range of tasks including maintenance of infrastructure and interpretive displays, plant identification, and the control of feral animals such as camels.

Having started only 5 years ago, the Martu Country’s team of Field Rangers has grown to over 30 members who are committed to retaining their Indigenous knowledge and language, and reconnecting to their country and the land.

Grant has a vision to set up further ranger programmes in Martu Country with a focus on eco-tourism, inspired by his experience within the Nature Parks.

Grant’s visit was made possible through the Nature Parks’ ongoing commitment to its Reconciliation Action Plan and paves the way for future opportunities for professional exchange and knowledge sharing between rangers across organisations.